The NRA's Political Sellout

Why is the gun rights lobby helping Chuck Schumer help unions?

By

Kimberley A. Strassel

Updated June 18, 2010 12:01 a.m. ET

The National Rifle Association slipped into a Beltway backroom this week to cut a deal with Democrats on their new campaign-finance legislation. Conservatives are ripping the gun-rights group for selling out free speech, and fair enough. But don't underestimate the political sellout. The NRA has potentially armed unions and Democrats for the midterm elections.

To understand the bigger game behind the DISCLOSE Act—which the House may vote on today—look no further than its two authors: New York Sen. Chuck Schumer and...